Start A Conversation Today

read more button

General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officers operate at the center of enterprise risk, governance, and strategy. Legal expertise alone no longer defines success. Boards and executive teams expect legal leaders who bring strategic judgment, influence across the C-suite, and the ability to guide organizations through complexity.

BarkerGilmore provides leadership development training designed specifically for senior legal and compliance leaders. Programs are delivered by former Fortune 500 General Counsel and experienced executive advisors who understand the realities of boardrooms, executive teams, and global organizations.

Leadership development through BarkerGilmore focuses on strengthening the capabilities that define exceptional legal executives: enterprise thinking, executive presence, and the ability to guide organizations through risk and transformation.

Why Leadership Development Matters for Legal Executives

The scope of responsibility for legal leaders continues to expand. Modern General Counsel must serve as strategic advisor, corporate officer, risk architect, and trusted voice in the boardroom.

Common leadership challenges include:

  • Transitioning from legal expert to enterprise executive
  • Leading large legal and compliance teams
  • Navigating complex relationships with CEOs, boards, and regulators
  • Communicating risk in business language
  • Influencing cross-functional leaders across the organization

Leadership development training provides the structure and guidance necessary to build these capabilities with confidence.

A Leadership Development Model Designed for Legal Executives

BarkerGilmore’s leadership development programs address the unique demands of the legal function. Unlike generic executive development courses, programs focus on the real dynamics experienced by General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officers.

Key development areas include:

Enterprise Leadership

Enterprise Leadership

Senior legal leaders must balance legal judgment with business strategy. Development programs help leaders evaluate risk through an enterprise lens and guide organizations through high-stakes decisions.

Executive Presence and Influence

Executive Presence and Influence

Boardroom credibility requires clarity, confidence, and gravitas. Advisors work closely with participants to strengthen communication style, executive presence, and influence within senior leadership teams.

Strategic Advisory Skills

Strategic Advisory Skills

Exceptional General Counsel function as strategic partners to the CEO. Leadership development strengthens the ability to frame legal issues within broader business strategy.

Team Leadership

Team Leadership

Legal departments continue to grow in size and complexity. Programs provide guidance on organizational design, talent development, and leadership of multidisciplinary legal teams.

Guidance from Former Fortune 500 General Counsel

BarkerGilmore’s coaching and leadership development programs are led by former General Counsel who have served at the highest levels of corporate leadership.

Advisors bring decades of experience working directly with CEOs, boards of directors, regulators, and global business units. Practical insight allows leadership development programs to move beyond theory and focus on real-world leadership challenges.

Participants gain access to confidential guidance from advisors who understand the expectations placed on modern legal executives.

Leadership Development for Every Stage of the GC Journey

BarkerGilmore supports legal leaders across multiple career stages.

Rising Legal Leaders

Senior Counsel and Associate General Counsel preparing for expanded leadership responsibilities benefit from guidance on leadership presence, team management, and strategic influence.

First-Time General Counsel

The transition to General Counsel represents one of the most significant career shifts within the legal profession. Leadership development programs help new GCs establish credibility and navigate relationships with CEOs and boards.

Experienced Chief Legal Officers

Seasoned legal executives often seek trusted guidance when navigating complex governance matters, corporate transformation, or board dynamics.

Leadership development programs provide a confidential forum to refine leadership strategy and strengthen executive impact.

Strengthening Legal Leadership Across the Enterprise

High-performing legal leadership strengthens governance, improves strategic decision-making, and reinforces trust with boards and regulators.

Leadership development training equips legal leaders with the confidence and capabilities required to guide organizations through complexity.

Connect with BarkerGilmore’s Leadership Development Experts

Audrey Rubin

Audrey Rubin

Former VP & COO Law

Aon Corporation

Chicago, IL

Laura Schumacher

Former Vice Chairman, External Affairs & CLO

AbbVie

Chicago, IL

Gjon Nivica

Former SVP & GC

Celanese Corporation

Dallas, TX

David Yawman

David Yawman

Former EVP, GC & Corporate Secretary

PepsiCo, Inc.

New York, NY

Kristin Campbell

Former EVP & GC

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.

Boston, MA

Jamey Seely

General Counsel

Crusoe Energy Holdings, Inc.

Denver, CO

Peter Ganz

Former SVP, GC, CCO, CLO & Corporate Secretary

Ashland Global Holdings, Inc.

Cincinnati, OH | Asheville, NC

Helen Pudlin

Former EVP & GC

PNC Financial Services Group

Philadelphia, PA

Maureen Brundage

Former EVP, GC, Chief Ethics Officer & Corporate Secretary

The Chubb Corporation

New York, NY

Integrated Insight from Legal Executive Search

BarkerGilmore’s leadership development programs benefit from decades of experience identifying and placing top legal and compliance executives. Executive search work provides unparalleled insight into what distinguishes exceptional General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officers. Leadership development programs incorporate lessons learned from hundreds of successful executive placements.

“I’m a better leader, increased my effectiveness, and am more strategic from a business perspective.”
VICE PRESIDENT AND ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL
“BarkerGilmore’s advisor had extensive experience with C-suite executives and boards. They were an excellent sounding board for issues that arose and came up with great suggestions for getting around a variety of problems, whether legal, compliance, or personality-related. They understood that these issues take finesse and helped me strategize to resolve them.”
VP, GENERAL COUNSEL & CORPORATE SECRETARY
“Of the many coaching efforts I have seen – you’ve had one of the greatest impacts in assisting our General Counsel. Many people cannot change years of practice.”
CEO, FORTUNE 1000 TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
"Working with the strategic advisor and coach was a great investment and exactly what I needed."
EVP, GENERAL COUNSEL & CORPORATE SECRETARY
“Issues with the CEO and board can take incredible finesse and it’s been extremely valuable having a trusted advisor to strategize with.”
SVP, GENERAL COUNSEL AND CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER
“As the General Counsel, you’re alone. Working with the advisor gave me incredible confidence.”
SVP, GENERAL COUNSEL

Develop Stronger Legal Leadership

Schedule a confidential conversation with BarkerGilmore to discuss leadership development programs for General Counsel and legal executives.

* indicates required fields

Name*
Primary Area of Interest*
Blog Subscription?